PETALING JAYA: The closure of airspace in the Middle East took a group of Malaysian volunteers, who were delivering aid to refugees in Syria, on a journey through three countries.
Seth Akmal, an Astro Awani journalist travelling with the Karisma Humanitarian Outreach Mission (KHOM) delegation, said they had to travel to Beirut, Lebanon, by road after their flight home from Damascus, Syria, was cancelled.
“We were told after one hour that the flight was cancelled. KHOM’s partner in the Middle East, Sened, advised us to go to Beirut and then take a flight to Istanbul, where we could get a flight back to Kuala Lumpur,” he told The Star.
“Malaysians are safe, but we are cautious. Thanks to the (strength of the) Malaysian passport, the process of crossing over was fast,” added the 33-year-old.
The group’s journey was fairly smooth, with people going about their daily lives despite the heightened alert.
However, during their overnight stay in Beirut on Sunday, they were taken aback by the sound of an explosion as they were preparing to leave for the airport.
“My situation isn’t dire compared to others. I wish I could be in the Middle East again so I could help the children who are still living in the camps and other displaced people.”
Meanwhile, the flight from Kuala Lumpur to Doha, on which Syeliza Abang Basri was travelling, had to be diverted to Oman.
“Approximately two hours before our scheduled landing in Doha, the captain announced that we would be diverted to Muscat due to the temporary closure of Doha airport.
“They did not mention the conflict at that time, likely to avoid causing panic among passengers,” she said, recounting her experience on the Feb 28 flight.
She added that the airline she was travelling with had provided passengers with accommodation in Muscat.
“The situation on the ground appears calm and under control at the moment. However, anxiety has increased among passengers following reports that an oil tanker and a port in Oman were attacked yesterday. Many passengers are actively trying to secure alternative flights home.”
Syeliza said officials from the Malaysian Embassy have visited the passengers and are doing their best to assist, while the airline is making efforts to arrange next available flights.
“The embassy has advised us to remain patient and wait for further updates. However, departures remain subject to ongoing airspace restrictions and airline scheduling. Travel is only possible if flights are operating and transit routes remain open,” she said.
“At the moment, Oman itself remains stable and generally safe. However, due to the broader regional conflict, there are heightened security concerns and airspace disruptions affecting travel.
“Our main worry is the possibility of the conflict escalating or spreading further in the region, which could impact Oman and delay our return home.
“We are also concerned about prolonged airspace closures that may leave us stranded longer than expected. We hope the situation remains calm and that we can return home safely once flights resume and routes reopen.”
Milo, a Malaysian executive working in the energy sector in Qatar, is now rethinking his plans to return home for Hari Raya.
“It all depends on how long this will escalate.”
He said the situation in Qatar has been under control, and several attacks that were claimed to be directed at the major US military base have been successfully intercepted so far.
“Shops are still open, and some supermarkets are open 24/7 for daily needs. But everyone is advised to exercise caution by staying in a sheltered place,” he said.
“We receive alerts on our phones whenever there are upcoming threats. It is unpredictable as to where and when, and how long this will continue. However, the local authorities have been handling it very well.”
He said the Malaysian Embassy has issued clear instructions and has been very proactive with their assistance and information.
“The Qatar authorities are doing a good job at keeping the situation under control and keeping everyone informed with what is going on,” he said.
“I was here when last year’s events happened, but I think this time it feels different due to the number of attacks and the uncertainty about when this will end.
“I barely had enough sleep, and my anxiety was going up and down. But deep down I keep telling myself that it will be okay, and this will end soon if God permits.”
